Doctor asks for (regular) Medicare deductible up front.

[marybourg]

New one to me. Went to doctor. Receptionist was announcing to all incoming patients that since it was January and all Medicare patients will owe a deductible, she was collecting the deductible up front. The doctor had just introduced this “new policy” since she had been done out her deductible collections in years past.

I said I had already been to two doctors and my deductible would be charged to my bills from them. I also said that the doctor is not allowed to make her own rules vis a vis Medicare. The doctor condescended to make an exception for me, after examining my payment record, since I had already seen two doctors, and I was refusing to pay. She also had the receptionist say that “all the doctors were doing it now”. The other three patients present were annoyed, but paid up.

By the time I was called in, long after my appointment time, I found I was so irritated that I couldn’t respond dispassionately to the technician’s questions, and I left without seeing the doctor.
I’m now on the phone with Medicare &Medicaid Services waiting to hear an opinion on this.

Has anybody encountered this?

**********************See update below** ************

[elleng]

1. Sorry.

No, haven't encountered, but will try to remember your experience if/when I see a new doc.

Thanks for contacting Medicare/Aid services. Please let us know what they say.

[vsrazdem]

2. Did they only ask for the Medicare allowable, do they even know what Medicare is going to cover.

Your bill is reduced by the Medicare allowable and that is all you should be paying.

[marybourg]

3. VERY impressed with Medicare's handling.

The customer service rep immediately connected me with an area specialist who was knowledgeable. She said this was a new one to her, that it definitely was not legal. She took the provider info and said she would forward it through channels.

[SCantiGOP]

4. I've had this happen twice in the last few years

Both times I objected and they backed off.

[Hoyt]

5. They can collect the deductible upfront. Many don't, especially since

many Medicare beneficiaries have supplemental policies that cover deductible. They can also check electronically with Medicare to see if your deductible has been paid while you are in office.

If they collect deductible, or a portion of it, and Medicare pays because deductible was already covered, they are supposed to refund any overpayment.

[Soxfan58]

6. Contact Medicare

I don't believe asking for money before services are rendered would set well with them.

[marybourg]

7. See #3 this thread